Study Skills for Higher Education: Analysis of Cultural Dimensions

This report, designed for higher education, delves into study skills, focusing on Hofstede's cultural dimensions and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The first assessment critically evaluates Hofstede's model, discussing its dimensions such as individualism/collectivism, power distance, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. It analyzes the model's suggestions, offering agreements and disagreements, and proposes additional insights for practical application in business contexts. The second assessment provides a literature review on CSR, defining the concept and exploring its significance to businesses. The report also examines the meaning of literature review, its types, and importance, offering a comprehensive analysis to enhance understanding of cultural influences and business practices. The report concludes with a synthesis of the key findings and implications for further research.

Study Skills for Higher
Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASSESSMENT 1.........................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................3
TASK...........................................................................................................................................3
1. Critically evaluating the suggestions made in the article of Hofstedes cultural dimensions
..................................................................................................................................................3
2. Agreement as well as disagreement with the statement. ....................................................5
3. Suggestions..........................................................................................................................5
ASSESSMENT 2.........................................................................................................................7
1. Meaning of Literature review...............................................................................................7
2. Literature review on topic Corporate social responsibility .................................................7
CONCLUSION ...........................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................10

ASSESSMENT 1
INTRODUCTION
Hofstedes cultural dimensions is the theory which was developed in year 1970. It is
basically a framework for cross cultural communication. This model mainly emphasizers on
analysing the way culture prevailing in the society highly influenced the behaviour as well as
values of employees working together in an organization. Hofstedes cultural dimensions
model assist in developing the understanding about the differences in culture.
The report will have focus on critically evaluating the suggestions made in the article
of Hofstede cultural dimension.
TASK
1. Critically evaluating the suggestions made in the article of Hofstedes cultural dimensions
Culture can be referred to as custom, ideas as well as social behaviour of people in the
society. It is the culture prevailing in an enterprise which is indicated by values. Culture can
also be defined as the characteristics as well as knowledge of particular group of people. As
per opinion of Gond and Nyberg, 2017, there are different constituents of culture these are
symbols, rituals, thought procedure and beliefs. The Hofstede model highlight the way cultural
value can influence the business. According to the Hofstede model there are various dimension
of Culture these are individualism as well as collectivism, power distance, masculinity/
femininity and uncertainty avoidance,
The dimension individualism as well as collectivism in Hofstede culture model mainly
emphasizes on the way Self oriented people of culture effect their attitude at workplace. In
individualism culture people are more concerned about achievement of their personal goals as
well as fulfilment of their own interest. However, in context of collectivism culture, all people
working in an organization are connected with each other. In addition to this, in context of
collectivism, people in an enterprise mainly have focus on maintaining their relationship with
other people at workplace. On other side, individual culture, people mainly emphasizes on
maintaining their position within an enterprise.
As per the view of few authors Such type of culture prevail in the United states.
However, it has been argued by other researchers that individualism culture can be analysed in

Western countries. According to suggestion Hofstede model, company have to make
adjustment in different environment, as there is great difference in the values as well as culture
of other country. It has been argued by other authors that new business concept can be
introduced for expanding business in other country rather than making the adjustments. The
other suggestions given in Hofstede model is that company should develop their own values as
well as culture. However, some other researcher as well as scholar argues that it is required by
management in an enterprise to provide the cultural training to employees rather than
developing the new culture as well as value. The authors also stated that if an organization
create their own culture mew employees might have to face difficulty in adjusting themselves
to new organizational culture (Ellerup Nielsen and Thomsen, 2018.). As per the sated Gond
and Nyberg, (2017) development of new culture as well as value can be beneficial in terms of
guiding the behaviour of workers. However , it has been argued by other authors that bringing
change in the culture can have adverse effect on the behaviour as well as performance of
existing employees. According to the opinion of Hansmann, R. and et.al., 2016., an
organization need to bring change in communication as well as social system as it can be
helpful and beneficial in terms of bringing improvement in the culture. The author has also
stated that improvement in communication as well as system can be good in order to positively
influence behaviour as well as performance of employees at workplace (Setiawan, Singh and
Romijn, 2019.). the positive view about the suggestion is that providing the open
communication channel to the workers can be helpful in context of supporting working in
eliminating the cultural differences. However , negative about this suggestions Is that changing
the communication system can be quite costly as well as time-consuming. In addition to this,
providing the open communication can give rise to the high chances of conflicts among
employees that could further have adverse effect of business performance of enterprise.
According to the suggestion in Hofstede model, employing the diverse workforce can be
helpful in relation to dealing with the customers belonging to the different culture. However, it
has been argued by other authors that diversity can give rise to major issues such as conflicts
that can further have adverse effect on business performance.
According to the Hofstede cultural dimension model, power / distance can be defined
as extent up to which less powerful employees in an enterprise accept when the power is
distributed unequally by management. However, as per the opinion of Crane and et.al., 2019.,

level of inequality in an enterprise which is claimed buy Hofstede is completely based on the
style which is adopted by management in a company. The author has also stated that there are
various factors such as status, educational level, status, willingness of subordinate to get agree
with subordinate plays very important role. It has been criticise by other author that power
distance index as well as Low PDI as modern and High PDI as traditional. However, the
theory has given wide analysis of the concept of power/ distance and other dimensions. All
dimensions in the Hofstede model has great significance, as it helps in developing the
understanding about culture. In relation to international business, These dimensions assist an
individual in developing the understanding about cultural differences (Ugrin, Pearson and
Nickle,2018). In context of international business, The different dimension in Hofstede model
is important as it demonstrates the impact of culture prevailing in the society or other nation on
value of employees. I am disagree with the suggestion that Values are selected by leadership to
make sure everyone understands the business objective of company. As I perceive that the
value s can be selected by all the stakeholders in an organization collectively. It is the best
technique when applied will assist management in providing high level of satisfaction to
employees.
2. Agreement as well as disagreement with the statement.
I am agree with the statement that firms are required to make the adjustment in
different environment. I believe that making the adjustment is much easier rather that
introducing the new business concept which is considered to be as much riskier. I am complete
dis agree with the suggestion related to employment of diverse employees for providing the
services to clients with different cultural background. As I also believe that employing workers
from they diverse background can give rise to the various problems such as clashes that can
have adverse impact on reputation of company. I perceive that cross cultural training can be
provided to employees so that they can easily provide service to customers belonging to the
different cultural background (Litvin, 2019.). I am also agreed with the suggestion that
management in an organization is required to provide employees with support in developing
the understanding about the expected behaviour. For instance, manager by implementing the
regulations or policies can expresses their behaviour expectation from employees. I also

perceives that Hofstede cultural dimension model provides the basis according to which
comparison between the culture of the different countries can be done.
3. Suggestions
It has been suggested that firm need to bring the changes in the communication system,
as it will help in developing the culture of collectivism which is very much important in order
to drive an enterprise towards success. Other suggestion is that both marketing team as well as
management in an enterprise should develop the understanding about national culture which
will help them in developing the promotional strategies (Tolmie, Park and Blewitt, 2018.). It
has been advices that management in an enterprise should implement procedure, value and
policies, as it will provide them an ease in sharing their expectations about the behaviour
which they expect from the workers at workplace.
CONCLUSION
As per the above report it has been divided into two parts in which study analysed
about the difference concept of cultural dimensions by supporting Hofstede's model. All the
dimensions in the Hosfetede culture has been explained in suceful manner. It has alos been
found that some of the suggestions given in Hofstede culture is quite effective while others
are invalid.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Hansmann, R. and et.al., 2016. Partnerships for urban forestry and green infrastructure
delivering services to people and the environment: a review on what they are and aim to
achieve. South-east European forestry. 7(1). pp.9-19.
Leonardsson, H. and Rudd, G., 2015. The ‘local turn’in peacebuilding: a literature review of
effective and emancipatory local peacebuilding. Third World Quarterly. 36(5). pp.825-
839.
Gond, J. P. and Nyberg, D., 2017. Materializing power to recover corporate social
responsibility. Organization Studies, 38(8), pp.1127-1148.
Crane, A. and et.al., 2019. Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability
in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Farrington, T. and et.al.,2017. Corporate social responsibility: reviewed, rated,
revised. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(1), pp.30-
47.

ASSESSMENT 2
INTRODUCTION
Corporate social responsibility can be defined as a obligation which inspired by the
laws and economics for a firm to pursue long term goals that are good for the society.
Corporate social responsibility is the most essential term for the company in order to
maintained the good image in front of the market. However, the business opportunity and
business profitability also get affected by the CSR activities of company cannot fulfilled to
achieve that.
1. Meaning of Literature review
Literature review is the concept of writing summary of the information taken by the
books, journals or internet (van Hooft and et.al., 2017). Literature review designed to provide
an overview of sources that has been explored while researching particular topic and to also
present the readers fits within a larger field of study. The main purpose of literature review is
to critical the data or information which has been gathered by identifying gaps in current
knowledge by showing the limitations of theories and points of view by formulating the
specific areas. Therefore, literature review determined the study into more descriptive way by
the help of books, journals. LR achieve the final conclusion of the study that makes the study
outcomes more productive and useful for the research problems. Literature review support the
information and data with different authors in order to justify the authenticity of the system.
A good literature is likewise this better opportunity to gain the systematic form of
sustaining the information or data. Literature review can better understand the objectives to
make the systematic report and research findings (Hart, 2018). Literature review is the kind the
new development goals that better understand the high performing and better provides the
information and target. Such reviews are found on academic journalist are not specified goals
and opportunity. Along with that, a good literature review should avoid the temptation of
stressing the importance of a particular research program.
The main purpose of the literature review is to gain the deep knowledge of the
sustaining the chances . There are three categorise of literature review Simple, Applied and
Academic.
Simple : Simplicity review is a brief overview of the topic not necessarily purely academic in
scope and often uses popular sources and views.

Applied : Applied Is the another category of the business that better understand the
opportunity that better understand the opportunity and task to get the best identifies results.
However, this literature review matter is adopted by business, organisation and other
professionals (Hansmann and et.al., 2016). It helps to determine the accuracy of the marketing,
profitability and valued the most appropriate opportunity task.
Academic : Academic resources are the study or outcomes to analyse the opportunity and
gained (Leonardsson and Rudd, 2015). However, the new business organisations are also more
interesting to define the actual outcomes and finds from the study of data.
2. Literature review on topic Corporate social responsibility
According to Crane and et.al., (2019) CSR is the practices of business firms which
helps companies to maintained the sustainable development into a company business model. It
is the form of opportunity for companies to demonstrate their good corporate citizenship.
However, the business organisation also required to make the best and developing business
activity. There are necessary four kinds of CSR activities that company should need to be
required such as Environmental efforts, Philanthropy, Ethical labour practices and
volunteering. However, the new business opportunity is directly connected with the good
advantages results and growth for the new higher performing manner.
According to Farrington and et.al., (2017) CSR is the biggest obstacles for the
company that might affect the whole organisation in positive or either negative manner. CSR
activities are helpful tool to regain the company position and stability of long term growth. In
order to generate the productive outcomes it helps to be more effective to gain the business
opportunity in future. In order to critique that as per the consumers point of view Green
washing is the terms that is important as a business practice. As per the customer point of view
those companies are highly preferable who invest in the green projects. Some customers may
react positively to these types of claims. However, CSR can impact positively or negatively
on the business environment it can help to brand recognition, positive business reputation,
operational cost savings, easier access to capital etc. in contrary, CSR might also affect the
business reputation if company fails to meet the CSR activities. However, the new business
organisation can better serves the organisation in order to meet the business task more reliable
and growing. In order to critically the fact the better generate the outcomes and brings the long

term goals and also make the things more understanding by supporting the different aspect of
the business. However, the business organisation can affect the business into different context.
A company larger companies affect the cost of CSR can be an obstacle for the company in
terms of higher expenses and growth. According to Farrington and et.al., (2017) corporate
social responsibility is the concept which also develops the popularity of the business in order
to gain the profitability and customer faith. In order to critique that CSR is not a simple task
which misinterpret the community or the consumer values. For example organisation can
implement the new employee policies in which they provide tour packages for them one in a
year. It shows how much company care about its employees within the organisation. Such
practice helps to enhance the company reputation in the market.
Corporate social responsibility is most important part of each and every student of
higher education. It is the self regulating model of business which is help to company be
socially accountable. It is board concept that takes various forms which depends on company
and industry. As per the view of Fifka, Kühn and Stiglbauer, 2018., with the help of this
companies are able to manage their business and its processes to produce which is give an
overall positive impact on society. Its covers ethics, social impact and sustainability of
business. Other hand, Morsing and Spence, 2019 stated that the continuing commitment by
business to behave ethically and give respect to others and contribute to the economic
development for improve quality of workforce and students. As per the opinion of Utgård,
2018. , it is the changes which has taken place in business environment at global level has
positively influenced companies to adopt strategies one of them is corporate social
responsibility.
After understanding meaning of corporate social responsibility, here is necessary to
knows about merits and demerits. According to Liao, Lin and Zhang, 2018., CSR is help to
increase goodwill and image of company at marketplace. It is beneficial, like customers are
able to purchase products of company which happens by good image of company in market
and customer mind. With the help of this, employees of company are attract toward company
and take their responsibility as per policies. Fair treatment, recognition of achievements and
regular appraisals.
According to the opinion of Hurst and Ihlen, 2018, one of the major implication of the
CSR is that an organisation by fulfilling the corporate social responsibility can gain

competitive advantage. However , it has been argued by other authors that managers in an
enterprise can not utilise corporate social responsibility as a tool for fulfilling their personal
interest. According to the opinion of Ugrin, Pearson and Nickle, 2018, Corporate social
responsibility can be used by an organisation for improving the efficiency of an enterprise.
The other authors argues that there can be decline in the economic benefits if in case an
organization make huge capital investment for fulfilment of corporate social responsibility.
As per the opinion of Tolmie, Park and Blewitt, 2018., by fulfilling the corporate social
responsibility business entity can increase the chances of success and it can sustain for long
time in the market. It has argued by other researchers that by implementing the corporate
social responsibility strategy an enterprise can achieve both economic as well as social
objectives. According to the investigation performed by researcher Liao, Lin and Zhang, 2018,
result of which reveals that an organization by taking high initiative for reducing the adverse
effect of its operations on environment, society and culture can get high response from the
customers which is very much essential for fostering business growth. It has been argued buy
other authors that implementation of the corporate social responsibility can have adverse effect
on the financial performance of an organization in short run. According to the opinion of
Setiawan, Singh and Romijn,2019., fulfilling the corporate social responsibility by companies
has great implication , as it assist firm in building the strong relationship with customers
which is very much crucial for increasing sales as well as profitability. According to the
opinion of Litvin, 2019., corporate social responsibility plays very important role in promoting
sustainability. It has been argued by other author that different implication of corporate social
responsibility might arise in the procedure. According to the perception of Hurst and Ihlen,
2018., by implementing the corporate social responsibility firm can ensure the effective
utilisation of its business resources. The author Liao, Lin and Zhang, 2018., stated that
fulfilment of corporate social responsibility is very much crucial as it assists an enterprise in
gaining the customer loyalty which is very much essential in order to maintain sales and
profitability for long term. As per the opinion of Setiawan, Singh and Romijn, 2019.,
Corporate social responsibility has great implication in context of business as it will assist
them in eliminating the ethical or legal issues.
According to the opinion of Ellerup Nielsen and Thomsen, 2018., management in an
organization need to fulfil all C's these are conviction, communication, commitment,

consistency as well as creditability. However, it has been argued buy other authors that
management in a firm is required to review business practices at regular interval of time as it
will assist them in identifying the performance gap. It will also help management in analysing
the area for improvement.
CONCLUSION
The report has been concluded about the meaning and concept of Literature review
along with its purpose. However, the study defined the meaning and importance of corporate
social responsibility. Study analysed the different practices of CSR and how it affect the
business either positively or negatively. The whole report has been given the deep
understanding about the concept of literature and how it gives the profitable results in the
research study.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Hansmann, R. and et.al., 2016. Partnerships for urban forestry and green infrastructure
delivering services to people and the environment: a review on what they are and aim to
achieve. South-east European forestry. 7(1). pp.9-19.
Leonardsson, H. and Rudd, G., 2015. The ‘local turn’in peacebuilding: a literature review of
effective and emancipatory local peacebuilding. Third World Quarterly. 36(5). pp.825-
839.
Gond, J. P. and Nyberg, D., 2017. Materializing power to recover corporate social
responsibility. Organization Studies, 38(8), pp.1127-1148.
Crane, A. and et.al., 2019. Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability
in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Farrington, T. and et.al.,2017. Corporate social responsibility: reviewed, rated,
revised. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(1), pp.30-
47.
Ellerup Nielsen, A. and Thomsen, C., 2018. Reviewing corporate social responsibility
communication: a legitimacy perspective. Corporate Communications: An International
Journal, 23(4), pp.492-511.
Fifka, M.S., Kühn, A.L. and Stiglbauer, M., 2018. “One size fits all”? Convergence in
international corporate social responsibility communication—A comparative study of
CSR mission statements in the United States and India. Journal of Public Affairs, 18(3),
p.e1670.
Utgård, J., 2018. Retail chains’ corporate social responsibility communication. Journal of
business Ethics, 147(2), pp.385-400.
Morsing, M. and Spence, L.J., 2019. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication
and small and medium sized enterprises: The governmentality dilemma of explicit and
implicit CSR communication. human relations, p.0018726718804306.